Officials said the family was using a generator and kerosene heater to stay warm when the poisoning happened.

Carbon monoxide is produced any time a fossil fuel is burned. It is an odorless, colorless gas which can cause sudden illness and death.

According to the Center for Disease and Prevention, at least 430 people die in the U.S. each year from accidental CO poisoning, and about 50,000 seek emergency treatment from it.

CO poisonings tend to happen more in the winter, as homes are buttoned up against the cold.

January is the worst month of the year for carbon monoxide poisoning, according to CDC data.

Common symptoms of CO poisoning include a headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain and confusion.

People who are sleeping or who have been drinking alcohol can die from CO poisoning before ever having symptoms, according to the CDC.

To prevent CO poisoning, the CDC recommends installing battery-operated or battery back-up CO detectors near every sleeping area in the home and to regularly check they are functioning. Oil and gas furnaces should be regularly inspected and portable generators should never be used inside your home or garage, even with open windows.

Contact Liz Shepard at (810) 989-6273 or lshepard@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @lvshepard.

Carbon monoxide poisoning

CO detectors

Install battery-operated or battery back-up detectors in every sleeping area of a home and check them regularly to be sure they are functioning properly.

Oil and gas furnaces

Have your furnace inspected annually.

Portable generators

Only use generators outside, with them running at least 20 feet away from the home, door and windows.